# indication

/ˌɪndəˈkeɪʃən/ (US) · /ˌɪndɪkˈeɪʃən/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/indication
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. a sign or suggestion

noun · CEFR B2

a sign that shows something is true or likely to happen.

For teachers: a sign, suggestion, or piece of evidence that indicates the presence or likelihood of something.

- The dark clouds were a clear indication that a storm was coming.
- The sudden drop in consumer spending provided a strong indication that the economy was entering a period of stagnation.

Usage: Often followed by the preposition 'of' or a 'that' clause.

### 2. medical reason for treatment

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

a symptom or medical reason that shows a specific treatment or medicine is necessary.

For teachers: a symptom or condition that makes a particular treatment, test, or medication advisable.

- Severe chest pain is a primary indication for an immediate heart scan.
- The clinical guidelines list chronic inflammation as a primary indication for the administration of this specific biological therapy.

Usage: Commonly used in the phrase 'indications for'.

### 3. estimated price

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical · Formal

an estimate of what the price of a stock or bond will be when trading starts.

For teachers: a non-binding estimate of the price at which a security is expected to trade when the market opens.

- The broker gave us an indication of the opening price for the new shares.
- Market makers provided a preliminary indication of the stock's value, though the actual opening price fluctuated due to high overnight demand.

## Examples

- The dark clouds are a clear indication of rain.
- The doctor noted that the patient's high fever was a strong indication of a serious infection.
- While the initial market rally provided a positive indication of investor confidence, analysts warned that long-term stability would depend on more concrete economic data.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.